Overdose among heroin users: Evaluation of an intervention in South Australia

An evidence-based intervention addressing overdose among heroin users was d eveloped and evaluated in South Australia. The intervention comprised three strands: information materials, peer educator training and achievement of structural change through the establishment of partnerships with user group s, police and ambulance services. Liaison with police and ambulance service s resulted in new guidelines being developed for police attendance at overd oses. Pre- and six months post-intervention surveys showed an increase in a wareness of risk factors associated with overdose including the concomitant use of other central nervous system depressants with heroin and using hero in while alone. Amongst respondents exposed to the intervention, more rang an ambulance to the most recent witnessed overdose and indicated less fear of police involvement if an ambulance was called. It is concluded that hero in users will respond to appropriate, targeted health education messages de veloped in conjunction with the user community and implemented using an int ersectoral approach.